"I don't wish to slaughter indiscriminately, but to survive on the extraterrestrial battlefield, one must constantly expand their influence," Lu Fan said with a smile. "Tian Sha Outpost is the closest to Star Outpost, so I had no choice but to take this approach!"
"What arrogance from a mere youngster!" an elder scoffed. "Do you not know that Tian Sha Outpost houses five Zhan Ling?"
"Let alone five, what if there were ten?"
Lu Fan shrugged. "I have come today to take over Tian Sha Outpost. If you are willing to submit, I will treat you generously. However, if you resist, you will only meet your demise!"
"Preposterous!"
The leading elder roared, "When has Tian Sha Outpost ever been threatened like this!"
Lu Fan said no more. His figure instantly leaped into the air, looking towards the five elders. "Why don't you all come at me together, so no one can say I bullied the weak!"
"I alone am sufficient!"
The leading elder's expression was indifferent as he kicked towards Lu Fan. As the leader of Tian Sha Outpost, his strength was not to be underestimated; even among the Zhan Ling, he held a prominent position.
Boom...
With a collision, the leading elder was sent flying back, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, his face filled with shock. The other four elders were equally stunned.
Others might not know how formidable their leader was, but they did. To be injured by a junior was enough to reveal Lu Fan's might.
"To gravely wound me with a single punch!" the leading elder exclaimed in disbelief. "This is impossible, unless you are a Wang Realm expert!"
"You speak correctly. I am indeed at the Zhan Wang realm," Lu Fan shrugged. "If you insist on resisting, you will only perish!"
"Zhan Wang!"
Their eyes filled with shock. The elders found it incredible. If not for the display Lu Fan had just shown, they would never have believed him to be a Zhan Wang expert.
For an ordinary person to reach the Zhan Wang realm, it would take at least sixty years. Lu Fan, at such a young age, had achieved such a feat, leaving everyone astonished.
"If you do not wish to die, then submit to Qing Yun Sect," Han Qiushui interjected. "After all, with your strength, joining Qing Yun Sect would undoubtedly pave a path for you on the extraterrestrial battlefield!"
"A joke!" one elder sneered. "While you may be the strongest, you cannot possibly expect us to submit!"
"What? Do you choose death then?"
Gu Wen raised an eyebrow. "If that is the case, then I suppose we must oblige you!"
"You youngsters truly do not know the immensity of heaven and earth," an elder said coldly. "We are Zhan Ling powerhouses. If this were a normal situation on the extraterrestrial battlefield, the kingdom would investigate. You need not me to tell you how powerful the Cang Qiong Kingdom is, do you?"
"Other kingdoms may fear it, but I do not!" Lu Fan shrugged. "I deal with all forms of defiance. If you refuse to submit, you will not leave here alive today!"
"You dare!"
An elder bellowed, "How can you offend the people of the Cang Qiong Kingdom!"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Lu Fan stomped his foot. An invisible surge of internal energy erupted, instantly killing the elder. The others didn't even have time to react.
"This..."
Witnessing the elder's swift demise, the remaining elders' eyes widened in terror. They had assumed Lu Fan wouldn't act so rashly, that he would stop at mere threats. But it seemed that was not the case.
"I detest being threatened the most!" Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "If you refuse to submit, I don't mind eliminating you all!"
The elders exchanged glances, their faces instantly turning pale. They were, after all, leaders of Tian Sha Outpost, how could they willingly submit?
But Lu Fan's strength was immense. If they didn't submit, their lives would be in grave danger.
"It seems you have made your choice!"
Lu Fan's expression was cold as he advanced towards the remaining four elders. He didn't truly wish to show no mercy, but if these individuals refused to submit, keeping them would serve no purpose.
"We four swear to the heavens, we willingly join Qing Yun Sect!"
The elders knelt down one after another. Lu Fan could kill them in an instant, so how could they dare to delay further.
"This is excellent!" Lu Fan nodded with satisfaction.
Han Qiushui was also beaming. With the addition of these four powerhouses, Qing Yun Sect's influence would gradually grow, undoubtedly making a name for itself on the extraterrestrial battlefield.
More importantly, the four elders had sworn an oath, signifying their sincerity. Martial arts experts did not swear oaths lightly, and this was a most effective form of allegiance.
With the group occupying Tian Sha Outpost, Lu Fan entered the main hall and looked at the four elders. "Since you have submitted to me, I will not mistreat you. Seeing as you have reached the Zhan Ling realm for decades, if the opportunity arises in the future, I will lend you a hand and help you ascend to the Zhan Wang realm!"
The four elders' bodies trembled. Their hearts had already given up hope, but Lu Fan's words ignited a burning fire within them.
If they could truly reach the Zhan Wang realm, they would be willing to die for it. Lu Fan's young age and attainment of the Zhan Wang realm proved that his words were not mere empty promises.
"As long as you follow me with loyalty, there will be opportunities in the future!" Lu Fan added.
"We will pledge our lives to follow you, my lord!" the four elders said, cupping their fists.
Lu Fan nodded with satisfaction and proceeded to the treasury of Tian Sha Outpost. Gazing at the abundance of rare spiritual treasures, he couldn't help but feel pleased.
These were all precious items, and with his alchemical techniques, the elixirs he refined would undoubtedly possess immense efficacy.
Meanwhile, near Tian Sha Outpost, two figures clad in black appeared, constantly observing the outpost with a hint of killing intent in their eyes.
"It's truly unexpected that in just a few days, he has occupied two major outposts," Elder Shangguan said coldly. "If this brat is not eliminated, the consequences will be endless!"
"Tian Sha Outpost belongs to the Cang Qiong Kingdom. He dared to act so recklessly!" Elder Ouyang frowned. "Is he not afraid of incurring the wrath of the Cang Qiong Kingdom?"
"This is the extent of his arrogance," Elder Shangguan mused. "Someone like him is truly terrifying!"
"In that case, let us nip him in the bud!"
Elder Ouyang stated coldly, "This will also serve to avenge my grandson!"
"It is not yet time. We cannot expose our identities," Elder Shangguan said with a smile. "When night falls, we will find an opportune moment to act. The Dragon Kingdom values this brat highly. If they discover it was us, they might launch a full-scale attack!"
Elder Ouyang nodded slightly. It was a sensitive period, and no kingdom dared to act rashly. Although the Dragon Kingdom's strength was insufficient, if they were pushed to a corner, the Hai Kingdom might not fare well either.
Throughout the entire day, Lu Fan remained in the alchemy pavilion of Tian Sha Outpost, refining a considerable number of elixirs. These elixirs possessed extremely high potency, and with heavenly treasures as ingredients, their effects were naturally significant.
Upon receiving the elixirs, Han Yunhai and the others immediately began their cultivation, not daring to delay even for a moment. They felt an immense sense of urgency.
If they didn't become stronger, they feared they would be unable to keep pace with Lu Fan.